Fluids in pregnancy

Thirsty work

What and how much to drink during pregnancy

We may not think of fluids as a significant part of our diet, but an adequate intake of water is essential for your own health and your baby’s development. However, if you have morning sickness, keeping fluids down can be tricky. Learn why it is important for you both and what and how much you should be drinking each day to stay well hydrated during pregnancy.

Fluids: Essential for life

A huge proportion of the human body is made up of water. It keeps our complex systems working properly, while helping us absorb nutrients and flush out toxins1.

During pregnancy, the increased demands on your body mean you need more water than usual to meet these increased requirements and avoid dehydration2.

Even if you can’t tolerate food due to morning sickness, you should still drink plenty of fluids. Why not try adding a few mint leaves or a squeeze of lemon in your glass of water.

Water and your pregnant body

Some of the most crucial support systems for your baby involve a significant amount of water. For a start, your blood volume that supplies their oxygen, for instance, increases by 50%3. The amniotic fluid, which provides nourishment and cushioning for your baby while supporting their growth, is also made up of mostly water4.

Getting sufficient fluids each day will help to maintain these life-sustaining systems, while stopping you becoming dehydrated.

Staying hydrated during pregnancy is important for your own health and to maintain the vital fluids, such as blood and amniotic fluid, that support your baby.

In combination with a diet rich in fibre, fluids can help reduce your likelihood of constipation, and the piles (haemorrhoids) that sometimes come along with it5.

Water is needed to make extra blood that delivers oxygen to your body.

When you can’t keep water down

If you’re having trouble keeping fluids down due to morning sickness or a stomach upset, try to take small sips regularly rather than large gulps. Even small amounts add up and can lower your risk of becoming dehydrated; so start by taking small sips and gradually increase the amount if you can6.

You may also find that drinking fluids at room temperature, rather than ice cold, helps. Some mums find that soups and broths can be kept down, while others stay hydrated with milk or sugar-free squash. It’s a case of trial and error, but any fluid is better than no fluid at all.

In prolonged cases, let your GP or midwife know. They may prescribe something to ease your sickness or, in extreme cases, admit you to hospital to receive fluids through an IV drip.

When you start breastfeeding, how much more fluid will you need each day?

2-3 glasses

Correct answer

You'll need 600-700ml (approx. 2-3 glasses) more a day. 70% of those who have taken part chose '600-700ml or 2-3 glasses'.

No more

Incorrect answer

Actually, you'll need 600-700ml (approx. 2-3 glasses) more a day. 30% of those who have taken part chose this answer.

What and how much to drink when pregnant

Although your need for water increases during pregnancy, there is no single recommended amount because every person is different. Various factors including body weight and activity level affect how much you will need per day2.

The Department of Health recommend that we drink around 6-8 glasses of fluid a day (approx. 1.2 litres) to include water, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, and soup7. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advises that non-pregnant women need around 2 litres of water a day, which is equivalent to ten 200ml glasses2. However, this also includes water from all fluids and foods. During pregnancy, EFSA estimate that you will need at least this amount and around an extra 300ml to avoid dehydration2.

Suitable drinks for pregnancy include water, whether straight from the tap (if safe in your area), or bottled (either carbonated or still), milk, fruit juices and sugar free squash. Juice can be high in sugar, but providing it’s pure fruit, one 150ml glass can also count as part of your daily 5-a-day fruit and vegetable intake2. Soup also counts, and can provide a good serving of beneficial nutrients too6.

When choosing juice, make sure it is pure fruit juice with no added sugar, and limit your intake to one glass per day, due to the high natural sugar content

Try to avoid drinks that are fizzy or high in sugar. With little nutritional value, it’s best to avoid them or try a healthier alternative7.

You should also limit your intake of caffeinated varieties of tea and coffee. Caffeine can act as a diuretic, increasing your need to urinate, and can also affect your baby. Because of this, it’s on the list of foods to limit or avoid in pregnancy, and it’s recommended that you have no more than 200mg per day8.

Preparing to drink for two

As you start looking ahead to breastfeeding, you can consider the extra fluid intake you need during pregnancy to be good practice for the even bigger demands of making breast milk.

Research shows that while breastfeeding, your need increases even more to keep your own body hydrated and to provide the water required to produce a good supply of milk. EFSA advise to drink around 700ml extra per day when you are breastfeeding – equivalent to 3-4 glasses2.

Many mums find that as soon as they sit down to breastfeed, they feel thirsty. This helpful response can make it easier to stay hydrated with enough fluids to support you both. Keep a big glass of water within reach when feeding your baby, day or night.

NEXT STEPS

Follow these tips to stay hydrated during pregnancy:

Keep a glass of water next to your bed and drink it first thing in the morning

Keep a bottle of water in your bag or on your desk and sip regularly throughout the day

Buy a 1 litre water bottle and aim to fill and drink the full amount twice a day

Experiment with water to make it more interesting: a squeeze of lemon, lime or some fresh mint leaves can give it a subtle, welcome flavour

Your baby's future health begins here

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.